Domaine Derain was founded by Dominique Derain and his wife Catherine in Saint-Aubin in 1988, after Dominique trained in winemaking around Burgundy. The estate became one of the early references for low-intervention and biodynamic viticulture in the region, working around 5.5 to 6 hectares in and around Saint-Aubin. 

Julien Altaber first joined Dominique in the early 2000s and gradually became his close assistant and friend. Carole Schwab joined the domaine in 2006. When Dominique stepped back from the estate, Julien and Carole became the natural successors and took responsibility for the vineyards and wines.

The cellar philosophy remains close to the approach established by Dominique: spontaneous fermentation, restrained handling and a strong focus on the character of each vineyard. Neutral barrels are frequently used for fermentation and ageing, while additions remain limited and fining and filtration are generally avoided. 

Under Julien and Carole, Domaine Derain continues as the more site-focused and traditional side of their work, centred on the vineyards of Saint-Aubin and the surrounding Côte de Beaune.